Photo By Michael Alexander

This year I wanted to be one of the first to witness that final wardrobe transformation Jesus undertakes in many Catholic churches within the Archdiocese of Atlanta and beyond.

It all started back on Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday, when Jesus was draped or covered in purple. For the next 38 days that would be his Lenten fashion du jour.

In the days leading up to the passion and death of Christ, the crucifix is draped in red. Photo By Michael Alexander

On the 39th day, Palm Sunday, Jesus changed again. This time it was the color red to signify the days leading up to his passion and death.

In order to get that initial glimpse of the final wardrobe change, I had to meet up with St. Peter Chanel Church facilities support Dave Petit and event coordinator Doni Strok on Holy Saturday morning.

Hanging high above the altar, the 146-pound crucifix, with its six-foot corpus, was electronically lowered. The red cover was removed and it was replaced with the white drape of the resurrected Christ. It was a glorious look, becoming of a Messiah who was victorious in his conquest of sin and death on our behalf.

St. Peter Chanel Church facilities support Dave Petit, left, and event coordinator Doni Strok remove the red cover from the crucifix. Photo By Michael Alexander

Draped in the white of the resurrected Christ, the 146-pound crucifix, with its six-foot corpus, was hand carved and hand painted in Italy. Photo By Michael Alexander

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ will come again.

Alleluia!

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